In a shocking story from Norway, doctors overlooked a massive 60-pound malignant tumor in a man’s stomach for over a decade, repeatedly diagnosing him with “obesity.” They even prescribed Ozempic, the diabetes medication now popular for weight loss, only to realize the truth after 12 years of misdiagnosis.
Thomas Kraut, 59, originally from Germany, had trusted the Norwegian medical system since moving there in 2008 to work as an optician. Starting in 2011, he noticed his stomach growing larger, but no matter how many doctors he visited, the answer was always the same: he was simply overweight. In 2012, he was officially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and obesity, and the doctors’ solution was diet classes, fitness courses, and eventually Ozempic — but no further examination.
Kraut’s case highlights serious concerns with modern medicine’s one-size-fits-all approach and the growing overreliance on medications like Ozempic, which some experts warn could be overprescribed. For over a decade, Kraut was pushed through the system without a second thought, even though his body gave clear signs that something was wrong.
In a recount of his experience, Kraut said, “My stomach kept getting bigger, and the doctors only ever talked about obesity and diabetes.” He added that while Ozempic and his changed diet caused weight loss in his face and arms, his stomach continued to grow, feeling unusually hard — a key detail that doctors missed.
It wasn’t until 2023, when Kraut was finally prepped for a gastric sleeve operation, that a doctor took a closer look. Realizing the hard surface on his stomach wasn’t just fat, the doctor ordered a CT scan that finally revealed the truth: Kraut had a giant, malignant tumor in his abdomen. The tumor, which had been expanding for years, was feeding off his right kidney and had caused serious internal damage, ultimately requiring the removal of part of his small intestine and right kidney.
Kraut’s wife, Ines, who works in the healthcare sector, was appalled that Norway’s doctors could miss such a serious condition for so long. Kraut underwent a grueling 10-hour surgery on September 26, 2023, to remove the 60-pound tumor, which had grown to a staggering 20 inches in diameter. However, despite the operation, some cancerous tissue remains in his body, as it is connected to several organs and is deemed inoperable.
Now Kraut and his wife are taking action. They have filed a lawsuit against the doctors and medical staff who dismissed his symptoms for so long. Though the initial case was dismissed — with the medical team claiming that Kraut’s tumor type is so rare they could not have been expected to detect it — Kraut’s lawyer has already lodged an objection. “It will work out somehow,” Kraut said, determined to hold those responsible to account.
This case highlights a deeper issue in the medical community: the rush to label patients as “obese” or “diabetic” without a thorough investigation. With Ozempic and similar medications on the rise, it seems that some in the healthcare field are far too willing to prescribe drugs as a quick fix rather than conduct comprehensive tests to rule out other causes. Kraut’s experience is a disturbing example of what happens when healthcare focuses more on labels and trends than on individual patient care.
In a medical system too quick to treat symptoms rather than investigate causes, Kraut’s story stands as a sobering reminder: patients should never stop advocating for themselves and pressing for answers when something feels wrong. For Kraut, the fight isn’t over — he’s still undergoing therapy, seeing an oncologist twice a year, and dealing with the psychological impact of 12 years of misdiagnosis. But one thing is clear: he won’t back down in his pursuit of justice.
